Hawthorne's copy, signed by him

[HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864).] – CORNWALL, Barry, pseud. Essays in Tales and Prose. Vol. II. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1853.

Hawthorne's presentation copy, inscribed by Hawthorne on the front free endpaper: "Nath. Hawthorne. from the Author." It was Hawthorne's habit to record presentation copies made to him, and he typically distinguished between volumes "from the publisher" or "from the author," as here. "Barry Cornwall" was a pseudonym of Bryan Walter Procter (1787-1874). Perhaps Hawthorne and Procter crossed paths in England. Procter and his wife held one of the most glittering literary salons in London. This is volume two only. When it appeared in the Wakeman sale in 1924, Julian Hawthorne was quoted as saying, "The first volume has been long since lost." From the Stephen H. Wakeman Collection.

Octavo (180 x 109mm). Publisher's ads at end. Original blindstamped cloth, spine gilt lettered (neatly rebacked with original spine laid down, corners just showing); modern half morocco box. Provenance: Nathaniel Hawthorne (autograph ownership inscription). – Stephen H. Wakeman (bookplate, his sale, American Art Association, 28-29 April 1924, lot 413).